YOGA FOR ENHANCED SPORTS PERFORMANCE

Ask an athlete about their training routine and they'll probably state that they place an emphasis on building strength, endurance, and muscle. The professional athlete might spend several hours a day lifting weights, aerobic activities, or performing intense workouts. All the focus on strength, endurance, and muscle lead to less flexibility. In a way, flexibility is the key to really enhancing an athlete's overall sports performance. A very flexible body is less prone to stress and considerably fewer injuries. In the long run, this saves the athlete money spent on injuries and prolongs their athletic career.

Yoga Benefits
Of course, there is tremendous pressure on an athlete to perform. Yoga is not an exercise that places a strong emphasis on performing. Instead, yoga is an exercise that teaches you to love your body and work with its natural rhythm to enhance performance. Yoga also redirects your mental focus. Here are a few more benefits that are associated with practicing yoga.

Yoga is more than a fitness craze. Yoga is an age old practice that has been around for centuries. Yoga is actually the total fitness package. The practice will enhance the body and the mind of the athlete. For example, it is a well-known fact that regular practice of yoga improves flexibility, strength, and power, enhancing the athletes' total performance. Yoga is also invaluable in teaching mental focus, bringing clarity of thought, building confidence, and an inner peace. Any athlete that practices yoga on a regular basis will emerge refreshed and renewed in body, mind, and spirit.